Asbestos contamination found in multiple Sydney locations, including public parks. Image source: Sergei Galyonkin. Via Flickr
In the past week, 25 sites in Sydney have tested positive for asbestos, according to the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA).
First identified on the 9 February at Liverpool West Public School, over 200 sites in Sydney have been tested for contamination, with more testing to be done.
Seven other schools in Sydney have been identified among the testing sites, after investigations into product supply chains revealed potential contamination.
Asbestos has been identified in mulch products that, as of current information, originates wholly with a singular supplier, Greenlife Resource Recovery Facility (GRRF).
The contaminated locations include multiple parks, infrastructure project sites, various rail corridors, a school, and a hospital. Domestic gardens may also be a concern.
Almost all the sites identified as positive currently are reported as bonded or non-friable asbestos, which is a low risk to people’s health. However, one site has tested positive for friable asbestos, which is higher risk due to ease of inhalation.
Organisers of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras announced that, due to asbestos concerns, the festival’s Fair Day would be cancelled.
Originally set to take place Sunday 18 February the chosen location of Victoria Park, Camperdown, reported bonded asbestos the previous Monday.
“This is the largest investigation the Environment Protection Authority has undertaken in recent decades,” said Environment Minister Penny Sharpe.
“The complex, criminal investigation involves multiple lines of enquiry. We should not be having asbestos in any of these products. It is illegal to do so.”
The government has stated that the number one priority in the investigation is facilitating testing and management of contaminated sites, alongside ‘contact tracing’ down GRRF’s complex supply chain.
GRRF has stated that they were confident that the mulch was asbestos-free prior to delivery.
“The company has no visibility of, and does not control, how its products are used on sites once delivered to the construction site,” said GRRF.
“It is unreasonable to hold GRRF responsible for how its products are used once delivered to contractors on a construction site.”
GRRF has been asked to voluntarily recall the mulch.
The EPA issued a ban on the company to prevent further mulch sales while the investigation is ongoing. GRRF aims to appeal the ban.
